How to Spend Three Days in Albuquerque

With rock formations rising in the distance, Albuquerque is a sunny New Mexico destination fun to visit at any time of year. It has both historic and modern elements within the city, and lots of outdoor activities that give you opportunities to view the beautiful mountains and dessert around Albuquerque. Easily spend three days here without ever getting bored, between exploring Old Town, visiting museums, and soaking up the nightlife.

Day One: Walk Albuquerque

Explore Albuquerque’s history, which dates back to 1706, by walking through Old Town in the morning. You can expect to find a plethora of museums, shops, and restaurants in Old Town. Arrayed as a traditional Spanish neighborhood, Old Town has the San Felipe de Neri church at the center of its square. The church itself dates back to the late 1700s, and is beautiful to behold.

In the afternoon, head downtown. You’ll find more museums, more restaurants, and lots of great nightlife. Go into a few shops, then find a great spot for dinner.

Lots of mountain biking trails run through the Manzano Mountains around Albuquerque. You can rent a mountain bike and spend the better part of the day exploring the majesty of these mountains. Expect to see gorgeous rock formations and some wildlife. You can choose trails that are easy, and go through the foothills, up to very advanced ones that only biking enthusiasts should attempt.

Evening Two: Enjoy a Show

You’ve spent the day exercising, so take this evening to relax and be entertained. If you’re not already asleep in your Albuquerque hotel, the city always has a live theater performance going on, whether you’re into classic plays or sketch comedy. Check the Albuquerque Theatre Guild for information on the live shows playing while you’re visiting the city. Many theatres and productions are boutique, giving you a unique taste of the local theatre in New Mexico.

Day Three: Visit Museums

On your last day in Albuquerque, spend some time exploring museums. The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is dedicated to the science and history of hot-air ballooning. You can see old balloon exhibits, visit a balloon flight simulator, and watch films about hot air balloons in the museum’s theater. It’s conveniently located near several Balloon Fiesta Park hotels, too, which gives you the chance to pack and check out before visiting this museum as your last stop.

Because of the beautiful weather, check out all the great pool hotels in Albuquerque. Spending an afternoon relaxing in the hotel, especially if you’re swimming outdoors while everyone back home is shivering, makes for an excellent vacation activity. Enjoy your time in sunny Albuquerque; three days isn’t long enough, so prepare to come back soon.